Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for collecting and converting solar energy into electrical energy by using solar collectors with multiple closed-cycle thermodynamic engines and/or piezoelectric generators. The solar collectors are configured to collect solar energy and to distribute the collected solar energy in a pulsating manner directly into multiple closed-cycle thermodynamic engines, piezoelectric generators, and the like. The pulsating manner means that the solar energy is allowed to enter into a particular engine or generator periodically, for a predetermined period of time, similar to turning a switch ON and OFF. Advantageously, this enables more efficient use of the collected solar energy.

Abstract: A solar-powered system and method for producing a utility, such as electricity, hot water, and/or potable water is disclosed. The system may be configured to produce the utilities alone or in combination. The system may comprise a fluid medium, a converter, one or more solar concentrators, a storage tank, a collection tank, a dehydration tank, and one or more safety features. The system may be closed-loop or open-loop.

Abstract: A solar energy collection system has a solar receiver with an external surface configured for high absorption of light incident thereon. The solar receiver also has a plurality of light-reflecting elements arranged on the external surface. The light-reflecting elements produce at least partially diffuse reflection of light energy incident thereon. Heliostats concentrate solar radiation onto the external surface of the solar receiver. An imaging device provides a digital image of at least a portion of the external surface of the solar receiver. A controller can control the heliostats in response to apparent brightness of the light-reflecting elements as represented in the digital image.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system for concentrating light for solar thermal and solar photovoltaic generating systems. The system includes a plurality of concentrating regions. Each concentrating region includes an input end having a perimeter or width in a lenticular configuration, an output end having a perimeter or width in a lenticular configuration, and a portion located therebetween defined by a reflective boundary. The invention is also directed to a method of manufacturing a light collection system. The method includes forming a film having multiple recesses. Each recess includes an input end, an output end and a reflective boundary. The output end has a smaller perimeter or a width in a lenticular configuration than a perimeter or a width of the input end in the lenticular configuration.

Abstract: The current invention is a Method and Mechanism to Increase Efficiencies of Energy or Particle Beam Collectors. Light may go through a transparent, open, 1-way, low emission, or transparent top that may focus light below from a thin film that is designed to be a Fresnel focusing surface that angles most of the light to a collector(s). With a 1-way mirror, or low emission film or glass top surface, light may go into the light collector unit, but most to all doesn't leave the unit. Light that gets in the light collector/concentrator units and doesn't get totally focused on the collector(s) from the top, may hit the bottom or sides, which each may be a compact linear Fresnel reflector, Fresnel reflector, photovoltaic or other energy collection, or total reflective surface, and be focused to the collector(s) from the surface, or reflected to eventually be incident on the collector(s).

Abstract: A holographic planar concentrator for collecting and concentrating solar radiation with light trapping elements. A holographic planar concentrator (HPC) comprises a transparent planar plate with at least one holographic film mounted on the face of the planar plate and a solar energy collecting device attached to at least one edge of the planar plate with a reflective surface or coating mounted along the remaining edges of the planar plate. A holographic planar concentrator with light trapping elements reduces potential light losses, and the amount solar energy collecting material required while enabling a more uniform visual appearance and lower manufacturing and installation costs.

Abstract: An improved solar reflector utilizing tensioned reflective membrane, where a bearing edge device is employed to smooth wrinkles in the membrane and limit distortion.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for integrating central receiver solar power systems with existing infrastructure to form multi-purpose structures. The invention also provides arranging heliostats to accommodate shadowing effects. Additionally, improved systems and methods for solar tracking are provided. Such improved solar tracking may enable the heliostats to more accurately reflect sunlight to a central receiver.

Abstract: A sunlight collecting system and a solar energy utilization system which collects sunlight with the sunlight collecting system are provided, a sunlight collecting system including a solar heat collector which includes a heat collecting element which is formed by a helically wound heat exchange medium circulation pipe inside which the heat exchange medium flows, in such a way to have an incurved light receiving surface which narrows and converges towards the sunlight inlet and a sunlight collecting reflector which includes a reflector group which includes a plurality of reflector segments each of which includes a reflecting surface which makes sunlight converge on a heat collector, a sunlight collecting system in which a plurality of heliostats Bm are arranged in places which are irradiated by the sunlight between a plurality of heliostats An, in which each of the heliostats An and the heliostats Bm reflect light in a direction to a light collecting point of a heliostat group in which the heliostat is included

Abstract: An easily transportable solar cooking system that is capable of effectively utilizing available sunlight in locations having obstructed views of the sky. A plurality of support members upon which one or more reflective elements may be mounted, may be independently placed adjacent to an object to be heated. A user may manually adjust the angle of each reflective element, a concave mirror in the preferred embodiment, with respect to the support member so as to reflect a focused beam of light onto the object to be heated. The reflective elements may be mounted via a separable ball and socket joint such that the reflective elements and support members may be disassembled and compactly stored for easy storage and transport.

Abstract: An electromagnetic radiation collector includes a channeling area having an entry end for receiving the electromagnetic radiation, an exit end, and at least one reflective wall between the entry end and the exit end; and a radiation collection element near the exit end of the channeling area, the radiation collection element being adapted to collect the electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) for converting solar energy, comprising a solar radiation capturing unit (11) comprising at least one lens having a entry surface (11a) for the incident solar radiation and an exit surf ace (11b) for emitting the solar radiation in refracted form to a solar radiation concentrating unit (12) comprising a reflector surface (12a) for reflecting the solar radiation incident on the reflector surface (12a) from the exit surface of the lens (11b) to at least one target area (13) of the solar radiation concentrating unit (12). The device (10) comprises positioning means (14) for orienting the solar radiation capturing unit (11) and the solar radiation concentrating unit (12) with respect to each other through rotation about at least one axis (11?) perpendicular to a plane formed by the lens.

Abstract: The basic solar module (3) comprises a frame (31) that can be placed directly or indirectly on the ground, means (32) for processing solar radiation that are mounted on the frame, the frame comprising, which being situated between the ground and the frame, a rotating cylindrical rounded surface of which one axis of revolution is a swinging axis about which the frame can swing relative to the ground.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and process for forming a monolithic array of glass parts. This invention enables high-precision glass parts of a relatively large size, such as mirrors for a solar concentrator, to be manufactured in an economical manner. A multi-cavity mold prevents warping of a glass sheet during a slumping process by utilizing multiple vacuum ports, which may be supplemented by stiffening features formed in the mold.

Abstract: A solar thermal energy collector includes a receptacle and a tube. The tube is adapted to fit within the receptacle and defines a first region within the tube and a second region between the tube and an internal surface of the receptacle. A fluid is circulated between the first region and the second region for transferring of the solar thermal energy.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting solar energy includes a receptacle adapted for receiving solar thermal energy, an insert adapted for counter-flow located within the receptacle, and an absorption device positioned proximate to and substantially conforming to at least a portion of an internal surface of the receptacle and thermally coupled to the insert.

Abstract: A heliostat having a frame structure for supporting a mirror. The frame structure is pivotable about at least one axis of rotation. A liquid ballast system is mounted on a side of the frame structure that is remote from the reflective surface of the mirror. The liquid ballast system includes at least two tanks, and an imaginary line between the tanks extends at an angle or perpendicular to the axis of rotation. An arrangement is provided for moving ballast liquid between the tanks in an actively controlled manner.

Abstract: The present application provides a solar energy receiver comprising an effective absorption aperture that is biased, so that solar radiation from a certain direction can be preferentially absorbed by a solar radiation absorber in the receiver. The effective absorption aperture is inclined relative to a physical aperture. Thus, in an elevated receiver comprising a downward facing physical aperture defining a plane that is relatively parallel to ground, the effective absorption aperture of the receivers described herein may be inclined relative to ground, but the physical aperture may remain generally parallel to ground. The biased receivers may be used in Linear Fresnel Reflector solar arrays.

Abstract: An aligned multiple flat mirror reflector array for concentrating sunlight onto a solar cell is disclosed. The reflector array includes a concentrating dish and a plurality of flat mirrors disposed on an inside surface of the concentrating dish, the plurality of flat mirrors being disposed and aligned on the inside surface of the concentrating dish such that sunlight impinging upon each of the plurality of flat mirrors is reflected upon the solar cell.

Abstract: A device for concentrating optical radiation comprises a collection frame, and a radiation collector. The collection frame also has a collecting surface and a focal point 120. The collecting surface is adapted to collect optical radiation, and more particularly to collect solar radiation, from different directions, and guide the radiation to the focal point. The radiation collector is located at the focal point. It can collect the concentrated radiation for further utilization. The present invention is using simple, stationary and economical structures to increase area for collecting more sun light from all directions instead of increasing the radiation collector's area which largely saves the cost.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus for collecting solar energy for electrical energy generation through one or more thermodynamic closed-cycle heat engines or the like. The present invention includes new designs for solar collectors that concentrate solar energy, and mechanisms for transporting and transferring the concentrated solar energy directly into the working fluid (e.g., a liquid, a gas, or a phase change substance) of the closed cycle thermodynamic engines without heating the outside surface of the engines. In an exemplary embodiment, the present utilizes an inflatable design for a dual-surface reflector which provides low cost and weight, protection from external elements, and the ability to inflate/deflate as required.

Abstract: Described herein are solar energy collector systems, components for solar energy collector systems, and methods for installing solar energy collector systems. The components for solar energy collector systems include but are not limited to solar radiation absorbers, receivers, drives, drive systems, reflectors, and various support structures. The solar energy collection systems, solar radiation absorbers, receivers, drives, drive systems, reflectors, support structures, and/or methods may be used, for example, in LFR solar arrays. Drives and drive systems are described herein that may provide improved rotational positioning, movement, and/or rotational positional sensing. For example, drives and drive systems are provided which allow operation through a variable frequency drive. The components and methods described herein may be used together in any combination in a solar collector system, or they may be used separately in different solar collector systems.

Abstract: Described herein are solar energy collector systems, components for solar energy collector systems, and methods for installing solar energy collector systems. The components for solar energy collector systems include but are not limited to solar radiation absorbers, receivers, drives, drive systems, reflectors, and various support structures. The solar energy collection systems, solar radiation absorbers, receivers, drives, drive systems, reflectors, support structures, and/or methods may be used, for example, in LFR solar arrays. Improved solar radiation absorbers, receivers and related methods are described here.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reflector (24) for a solar energy collection system (20). The reflector (24) is arranged for diverting light received from solar energy collectors (22). The solar energy collectors (22) are arranged for focusing the collected light to an elongate focal region of the reflector (24) wherein, the light is further diverted away.

Abstract: A system architecture for large concentrated solar power applications that increases heliostat utilization efficiency and land utilization efficiency is described. Embodiments of the invention include a large heliostat field in which are distributed a number of receiving locations, and wherein there is the assignment of heliostats to receiving locations is dynamic. Embodiments of the invention include dynamically targeting heliostats to receiving locations wherein the target determination process is performed frequently during operation and wherein such dynamic targeting can be utilized to various ends. Embodiments of the invention include configurations wherein cosine losses associated with heliostat pointing are significantly reduced, wherein heliostats may be closely packed without incurring substantial shadowing and blocking losses thereby significantly increasing land utilization, and wherein other benefits are realized.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for shaping reflective surfaces of optical concentrators are disclosed. An exemplary embodiment of an optical concentrator in accordance with the present invention includes a reflective surface and one or more shaping components that help to provide a desired shape to the reflective surface. Exemplary shaping components preferably comprise thin, readily manufacturable ribs with precision surfaces that provide the desired shape to a reflective surface.

Abstract: A solar energy harvester comprises: an elongated stationary solar irradiance converter assembly; a concentrator comprised of a substantially flat array of flat reflective heliostatic slats disposed at tilt angles to concentrate the sun onto the converter assembly, said slats each rotating in elevation about a north-south axis; sun sensor detecting the efficacy of concentration as the sun traverses; and control circuitry and drive motor positioning the collector in elevation according to the sun sensor so that the slat array tracks and faces the sun whenever the solar incident energy is greater than a selectable threshold level. Solar power is harvested as either electricity or thermal energy or both. In the case where both electric and thermal energy are harvested the electricity produced is according to the limits of photovoltaic efficiency and the remaining solar irradiance is harvested as useful heat.

Abstract: The device part of the embodiment over the tiles (14) with wide openings(15) which mainly involves, openings (15) in which are houses both irregular bodies (1-13), of transparent glass, hermetically closed and vacuum filled, which establish surface continuity through the upper face with the rest of the tile (14) and in whose interior are established parabolic cylinder reflectors (2-3) which conduct solar radiation to a concentration funnel (5) which defines a semi-cylindrical channel and adapting to the heat transfer tube (6), which rests over a support cradle (7) which in turn is pressed against aforementioned tube (6) by a bellows lifting device (16), also keeping the support cradle (7) and irregular bodies (1) fixed using anchor elements (8). Thus simple mounting of the collection devices is achieved by a simple pressure coupling system, achieving close contact with the heat transfer tubes which remain hidden and protected below the tiles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar collector having an integrated heat storage. Such a solar collector comprises a housing which comprises a bottom plate and a transparent cap, wherein between an involute mirror and the transparent cap a storage tank for the storage of water is provided. The solar collector according to the invention is characterized in that a shielding is provided between the transparent cap and the storage tank, which leaves the part of the storage tank that is situated lower uncovered. By using the solar collector according to the invention a higher thermal yield can be achieved while using less materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to a collector and a collector arrangement for generating heat, especially from incident radiation. In principle, such collectors and collector arrangements are know in prior art. An individual collector known in prior art typically comprises of a reflector device (110) for reflecting the incident radiation onto at one focusing zone (120-1) of the reflector device (110). A typical collector further comprises an absorber device that is disposed in the focusing zone. In order to provide the reflector device with great inherent stability, particularly against wind and torsion, the inventive reflector device is embodied with a plurality of facet elements (110-I-i, 110-II-n) which are placed at an angle from each other such that the reflector device (110) has a zigzag shaped profile (116).

Abstract: The invention provides a solar collector comprising a trough-like reflector for receiving solar rays and for concentrating the rays in a direction generally transverse to the length of the reflector between its ends. Concentrator means is provided for receiving the concentrated rays from the trough-like reflector and for concentrating the rays in one or more of a direction generally along said length and a direction generally transverse to said length.

Abstract: A solar collector with external reflector. A solar collector includes a glass housing having a heat pipe disposed within the housing and a light reflector disposed external to the housing.

Abstract: A solar panel, through which a fluid is circulated, includes a transparent central panel, with a number of channels extending through the panel from one end to another. A manifold is attached to each end of the transparent central panel so that distributing chambers within the manifolds direct the fluid to move between adjacent channels within the central panel. The solar panel additionally includes a transparent support structure above the central panel and a lower support structure below the panel. Dark, opaque material below the central panel absorbs heat and warms the fluid.

Abstract: A system for heating liquid using solar radiation, includes a plurality of solar panels (1, 2, 3, 4, 5), at least one reservoir for heated liquid and pipes for circulating liquid between the respective solar panel and the at least one liquid reservoir, the liquid circulating by gravity circulation. The present system is characterised in that a non-return valve (17) for controlling the flow of heated liquid from the respective solar panel is placed in a portion of the circulation pipe between the upper end of the solar panel and the at least one liquid reservoir, the non-return valve (17) being adapted to open and close at a predetermined pressure in the liquid flow from the solar panel.

Abstract: A method for generating energy from concentrated solar radiation by photovoltaic and thermally useable solar cells in which the absorbed heat radiation evaporates a fluid which drives a turbine connected to a generator.

Abstract: An electromagnetic radiation collector is provided. The electromagnetic radiation collector has a concentration chamber for collecting and concentrating electromagnetic radiation and directing it to a target, the concentration chamber having at least one inlet opening, the inlet opening having a cross-sectional area. The collector also has a channeling area having an entry end for receiving the electromagnetic radiation, the entry end having a cross-sectional area, an exit end adjacent to the inlet opening of the concentration chamber, and at least one reflective wall between the entry end and the exit end. The cross-sectional area of the inlet opening is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the entry end of the channeling area.

Abstract: A solar collector with external reflector. A solar collector includes a glass housing having a heat pipe disposed within the housing and a light reflector disposed external to the housing.

Abstract: A low profile solar collector collects solar energy as heat, while limiting possible peak stagnant temperatures in the collector in summer months. The collector has a plurality of reflectors, each having longitudinal edges parallel to an adjacent reflector such that the reflective elements are arranged in a fixed offset parallel array, which forms a staircase of upwardly facing reflective surfaces in use. Absorber elements are located between adjacent pairs of reflectors. The absorber elements each have an exposed surface located between each pair of reflective elements, and arranged to extend between a first edge of one reflector and a second edge of an adjacent reflector. The exposed surfaces of the absorber elements are disposed at an angle to each of the reflective elements to thereby form a fixed parallel array of exposed surfaces of the absorber elements. A transparent top cover extends over the reflective and absorber elements.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting heat from a solar concentrator has an isothermal body defining an elongated cavity with a circular opening having a diameter equal to a diameter of a focus of the solar concentrator, the cavity having a reflective walls such that solar rays contacting the walls are substantially reflected. The circular opening is located at the focus of the solar concentrator and perpendicular to a principal axis of the solar concentrator, and the axis of the cavity is aligned with the principal axis of the solar concentrator. The heat generated in the isothermal body is absorbed by the heat sink. The length of the cavity is sufficient to absorb a desired proportion of the energy in the solar rays entering the cavity and is about 5 to 9 times the diameter of the opening of the cavity. Depending on material used, the isothermal body can be enclosed in a reducing atmosphere to maintain reflectivity of the cavity walls.

Abstract: Processes and methods of producing fuels and other chemicals whereby a substantial portion of the chemical energy of the product is provided by solar energy (110) or a powerbeam (120) consisting of microwave, laser or other radiant energy, and performing thermochemical processes. Systems and applications include using radiant energy to drive moderate- to high-temperature endothermic reactions, followed by downstream chemical reactions and separations to create the desired chemical product.

Abstract: A solar trough including a reflective surface formed parabolic along an axis and a parabolic trough structure composed of at least one cementitious material. The trough structure is made strong and light by the addition of a filler material within the cement.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lightweight reflecting system for the concentration of solar radiation in which the reflecting optic is approximately sinusoidal in cross section and is maintained in this shape by minimal contact with a support frame. The reflector can be a flexible rectangular sheet deformed into a generally sinusoidal trough by compression between fixed or adjustable end supports. The sinusoid can be adjusted to be less than half a cycle by torsion applied to each end of the flexible sheet. A reflective film, polished metal, or similar material on the reflector surface can concentrate sunlight along a diffuse band rather than a sharp line, providing improved concentration levels for photovoltaic cells. The reflectors and their support frames can be mounted singly or severally on a tracking device that maximizes instantaneous power output by orienting the collectors toward the sun.

Abstract: A solar collector structural support system that affixes to a mounting surface without penetrating the mounting surface is disclosed. The invention in the preferred embodiment includes a junction element adapted to receive: a plurality of leg members; at least one footing adapted to engage frictionally a mounting surface; and a structural support member; wherein a first junction element of the plurality of junction elements receives: a proximal end of a first leg member and a first structural support member. In addition, the junction element may be adapted to receive a ballast element and the ballast element may be adapted to engage a leg member.

Abstract: An electronic device housing comprising a device enclosure with electronic components mounted inside the enclosure is disclosed. Mounted between the electronic device housing and the device enclosure is a thermally reflective electrical insulator configured to reduce external heating of the enclosure by the electronic components contained therein. Such an arrangement reflects heat generated by internal electronic components back inside the device enclosure, thereby reducing the external temperature of the electronic device housing. The electronic device housing, for example, pertains to a portable computer. Additionally, a method for reducing the external temperature of a computer housing for a portable computer is disclosed.

Abstract: A tracking heliostat array comprises a plurality of optical elements. The tracking heliostat array further comprises a frame separated from the optical elements. Each of the optical elements has an orientation with respect to the frame. The tracking heliostat array further comprises a plurality of supports coupled to at least one of the optical elements. The tracking heliostat array further comprises a turnbuckle coupled to at least one of the supports and to the frame. Rotation of the turnbuckle causes the corresponding support to be displaced relative to the frame. The orientation of the optical element relative to the frame is adjustable. The tracking heliostat array further comprises a traveling actuator configured to rotate at least one of the turnbuckles. The tracking heliostat array further comprises a positioning mechanism supporting the traveling actuator. The positioning mechanism is configured to move the traveling actuator from a first selected turnbuckle to a second selected turnbuckle.

Abstract: The present invention includes a radiation collector configured to collect incident radiation. The radiation collector includes a radiation directing component configured to redirect the incident radiation, a buffer component configured to receive the radiation redirected by the radiation directing component, and a propagation component configured to receive the radiation from the buffer component and to propagate the radiation towards a first end of the propagation component.

Abstract: Novel mounting devices for attachment to an apparatus, the apparatus configured to receive and/or transmit radiation flux (e.g. satellite dishes for communications or electromagnetic power focusing) are described and claimed herein. The inventive mounting devices are configured to allow rotational movement of the apparatus at a required position.

Abstract: A solar energy conversion system comprising: a solar radiation reflector having a plurality of elongate reflective members that are fixed in position relative to each other, said solar radiation reflector being mounted for rotation about a single axis; a rotation device operatively connected to said radiation reflector for rotating said radiation reflector about said single axis; at least one solar radiation transducer located at a position coincident with at least one focal area of the plurality of angled reflective members of said solar radiation reflector; and a solar tracking unit for tracking the relative movement of the sun relative to the earth; said solar tracking unit causing said rotation device to rotate said solar radiation device toward the sun.

Abstract: A solar radiation condensing device (1), characterized by comprising a plurality of reflectors (10) disposed on a reflector arrangement surface, reference point providing members (20) for determining the reference points for the rotating motions of the plurality of reflectors, and a cam mechanism (30) for simultaneously rotating the plurality of reflectors around the reference points, the cam mechanism further comprising a cam (40) of such a specified shape that the plurality of reflectors can condense an incident solar radiation, a plurality of probes (60, 70) coming into contact with the plurality of reflectors, and unshown guide members for storing the plurality of probes, wherein a rotating mechanism (90) for rotating the plurality of reflectors around a straight line perpendicular to the reflector arrangement surface so that the incident solar radiation (S) is positioned along a specified incident direction area is disposed in an XYZ moving coordinate system moving along with the reflector arrangement su

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a concentrating solar energy receiver comprising a primary parabolic reflector having a center and a high reflectivity surface on a concave side of the reflector and having a focal axis extending from the concave side of the reflector and passing through a focal point of the primary parabolic reflector; and a conversion module having a reception surface wherein the reception surface is spaced from the focal point by a predetermined distance and disposed to receive a predetermined cross section of radiant solar energy reflected from the concave side of the primary parabolic reflector for conversion to electrical energy in the conversion module. In one aspect, the conversion module includes a reception surface comprising a planar array of at least one photovoltaic solar cell. In another aspect, the conversion module includes a reception surface coupled to a thermal cycle engine. The mechanical output of the thermal cycle engine drives an electric generator.